The Amsterdam Island is the French subantartic island which has
suffered the severest ecological disturbances on its flora. The
present vegetation results from the substitution of the autochtonous
species by numerous species (either introduced by chance or deliberately)
that have thrived thanks to the rather mild climate of the isle.
Its vegetation is very varied in comparison with the other French
subantarctic islands, counting even an endemic tree: the Phylica
nitida.